You can also look at macro-economic trends like population growth, construction activity, rent appreciation, vacancy rate, price trends in this and adjacent neighborhoods and if they are more or less expensive, etc.

As you know, the higher the risk the higher the reward: Class A properties in a high-end. growing market will likely yield lower returns, than a Class C property in a non-growth population.

Unless the area is showing growth it likely has no real value as is.

I judge hot or up and coming markets based on population growth, job growth, average days on market and appreciation.

This misses the point.I'm thinking along the lines of being the muscle behind an out of town flip in order to earn big returns.

A couple of trees that grow UP, not OUT, with gradually smaller, lower growth in front.

Los Angeles moved up 11 places in the firm's ranking from one year ago based on a forecast for further tightening in apartment vacancy and minimal supply growth.

What percentage of growth are you basing that on?

I believe with the new 130 toll road and the new upscale outlet mall off Chandler Road in Round Rock both opening in the next year the area is positioned for growth.

I don't know the details of the project but on my last renovation (pretty much a gut job) we recycled a bunch of old growth lumber that usually ends up being of a higher quality than anything you will find at home depot... and it's free!